An academic and community partnership to fight cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening and Early Detection
The SF CAN Colorectal Cancer Team works to increase colorectal cancer screening and timely follow-up across San Francisco by supporting community health centers, strengthening referral pathways, and partnering with community organizations to reduce barriers to care.
Why Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in San Francisco and is one of SF CAN's five priority cancers.
Screening can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps before they become cancer. Early detection also improves treatment options and survival.
The Colorectal Cancer Team works to expand access to screening and ensure patients receive timely follow-up care after abnormal screening results.
Meet the Team
Ma Somsouk, MD, MAS
Colorectal Cancer Team Lead
Professor in Residence in the Division of Gastroenterology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
Kara Lugtu, MPH
Program Manager Breast and Colorectal Cancer Teams
UCSF
Partners
- American Cancer Society
-
Colon Cancer Coalition
-
Colorectal Cancer Alliance
-
Fight CRC
-
Operation Access
-
San Francisco Bay Collaborative Research Network
-
San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium
-
San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium partner clinics
-
HealthRIGHT 360
-
Mission Neighborhood Health Center
-
South of Market Health Center
-
St. Anthony Medical Clinic
-
-
-
San Francisco Health Network
-
San Francisco Health Plan
-
UCSF Health
-
Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
The SF CAN Breast and Colorectal Cancer Quality Improvement (QI) Stipend Program provides funding and technical support to San Francisco safety-net clinics to implement evidence-based strategies that increase breast and colorectal cancer screening rates. By supporting quality improvement initiatives, data-driven interventions, and patient outreach, the program helps reduce disparities and improve early detection for our San Francisco communities.
Our Current Priorities
Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening
The Colorectal Cancer Team partners with community health centers through the SF CAN Quality Improvement Stipend Program to implement evidence-based screening strategies. Participating clinics receive funding, technical assistance, staff training, and opportunities to share best practices, helping increase screening rates across San Francisco.
Improving Follow-up Care
An abnormal FIT test is only the first step. The team works with community clinics, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Operation Access, and the Medical Respite & Sobering Center to improve timely access to colonoscopy and reduce barriers to diagnostic follow-up.
Community Outreach & Education
The team participates in community health fairs, outreach events, and educational programs to increase awareness of colorectal cancer screening and connect residents with screening resources.
SF CAN Breast and Colorectal Cancer Quality Improvement (QI) Stipend Program
The SF CAN Breast and Colorectal Cancer Quality Improvement (QI) Stipend Program provides funding and technical support to San Francisco safety-net clinics to implement evidence-based strategies that increase breast and colorectal cancer screening rates.
By supporting quality improvement initiatives, data-driven interventions, and patient outreach, the program helps reduce disparities and improve early detection for our San Francisco communities.
Colorectal Cancer in San Francisco
The number of new colorectal cancer cases and colorectal cancer deaths has steadily declined in San Francisco over the past four decades. Continued investment in screening, early detection, and timely follow-up remains essential to sustaining this progress and reducing disparities.
Colorectal Cancer Information and Resources
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
-
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
-
Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.
What Is Screening?
-
Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms.
-
Several tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancer.
-
The most important thing is to get screened, no matter which test you choose.
Who should get Screened?
-
USPST and the American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.
How to get screened?
-
Speak to your Primary Care provider about which test might be good options for you, and to your insurance provider about your coverage.
Colorectal Cancer Resources
Financial Support for Colorectal Cancer Screening:
-
Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers a financial assistance program.
Information in Multiple Languages
-
Please visit American Cancer Society for more Colorectal Cancer Information in other languages.
How to do a FIT test?
-
A FIT test, or Fecal Immunochemical Test, is a non-invasive screening tool used to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer or other conditions. The test is easy to use at home and involves collecting a small stool sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. If blood is detected, further diagnostic procedures, such as a colonoscopy, may be recommended to determine the cause.
The following diagram shows the steps to complete a FIT Test.
